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Report: Bulls, Thunder ‘Lead The Way’ For Gasol

PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 3: Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Portland Trailblazers on March 3, 2014 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)

Pau Gasol. (Getty Images)

(CBS) As they wait on Carmelo Anthony’s decision, the Bulls have worked on a number of contingency plans in case they swing and miss on their main priority.

Of those other options, acquiring big man Pau Gasol is Plan B. And it appears Chicago is in a good place — at least for the time being.

While Chicago already has a solid tandem down low in Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson, the chase for Gasol is a nod toward the team’s need for more finishers/playmakers. Even at 34, the 7-foot Gasol remains versatile offensive talent, with an array of back-to-the basket post moves, the ability to knock down the 17-footer and adept passing skills for a man of his size. He brings a skill set different from that of Noah and Gibson.

If the Bulls miss out on Anthony, use the amnesty provision on Carlos Boozer and renounce their free agents, they’d have around $11 million of cap space to work with. That’s more than the reported $5 million or so that the Thunder can offer Gasol. The Lakers have ample cap space as well to make a competitive offer.